Roger Butler

So glad you joined Roger-butler. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Congrats on your plans to build a dulcimer and to learn to play the mountain dulcimer. Keep us posted on your progress.

Roger, here is a link to a good plan. I've made several dulcimers using this plan, both hourglass and teardrop. I'm a fan of the 27" VSL on this instrument but you can easily calculate shorter string lengths and still use this fret board by moving either the nut or saddle or both. There are many other plans out there if you do a web search. You can make your own plans by finding a dulcimer you like by taking tracings and measuring it.

I think an all walnut dulcimer sounds good.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Welcome to FOTMD, Roger. I was just in eastern Kentucky at the Hindman Dulcimer Festival. I'm glad to hear that you are going to build a dulcimer and learn to play it. If you need any help just ask. There are several builders around here who offer encouragement and advice. I own a dulcimer made by James Edward Thomas, a famous Kentucky dulcimer maker. It's good to have you aboard.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Hell Everyone,

I am literally an hour, new to this group. That being said, I intend to build my first Dulcimer and learn to play it now that I am among the retired. 

A little about myself, being a retired firefighter who has always had a home woodshop to earn a few extra bucks for ends meat. I am ready at long last to fulfil my dream of building and learning to play a Dulcimer. 

Would anyone in this group be willing to share a set of plans for an hourglass dulcimer or a link to a retailer who has a set of plans that would produce good sound quality from walnut?

Very much looking forward to accessing the knowledge that exist within this group so that I can pass what I learn from you all, to future generations!

Sincerely,

Roger